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02 May 2014

Mark Rylance

Two-time Tony Award winner and two-time 2014 Tony Award nominee Mark Rylance chats with Playbill.com about making history on Broadway.

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Mark Rylance has moved from the winter of his discontent to the spring of his recognition.

The two-time Tony Award winner made history April 29 when he became the first male actor to receive two Tony nominations for acting in the same season.

Rylance was nominated for both Best Actor and Best Featured Actor, for his performances in the Shakespeare's Globe productions of Richard III and Twelfth Night, respectively, which were performed in repertory by an all-male cast wearing traditional Elizabethan costumes.

Rylance, who is currently filming the British costume drama "Wolf Hall," in which he plays Thomas Cromwell, was notified of his nominations during his lunch break, when his wife called to tell him.

"I was delighted. I was just delighted, particularly by the nomination for Tim Carroll, who's just my favorite Shakespeare director, and for my fellow actors, four of whom have been nominated," he said. "But, of course, if the thing's nominated for Best Revival, I hope all the actors take pride in that because I think it's a collective ensemble achievement."

When asked about his historical recognition, Rylance said he was overwhelmed, adding, "My experience of being an actor in New York City is one of meeting the most generous folk. Whether it's people on the street who stop you and appreciate what they've seen or people standing at the door afterward... The producers are always very generous — really generous. The stage doormen and the crew at the Belasco and the Music Box and the Longacre have become lifelong friends of mine and have been so supportive and encouraging."